Peru: Fujimori Update

Yes, guys, the Fujimori trial drags on, despite all the other news happening in Peru right now. The Council on Hemispheric Affairs draw parallels between Fujimori and current (AND former; his first term was 1985-1990) President Alan Garcia.

Analysts also note that, like Fujimori, Garcia has shown a proclivity for disregarding human rights. In fact, Garcia’s actions reveal sentiments on the matter more akin to annoyance, perhaps even contempt. As Garcia and Fujimori share a mutual interest in discouraging demands for accountability from Peru’s civil society and judicial branch (Garcia previously served a term as president, which was marred by allegations of extensive human rights abuses), one can hardly be surprised that Garcia recently has moved to stifle human rights organizations, while finding time to sponsor a rally in support of Fujimori...

Birds of a Feather? Fujimori's Trial Resumes, Garcia's Scandal Deflects Attention (COHA)

Alan García did not actively hail Fujimori’s extradition from Chile, as a positive trial outcome for Fujimori will advance Alan García’s own political interests. [...] Furthermore, according to the Washington Office on Latin America, “a Fujimori conviction on human rights charges could have serious implications for Alan García, since during his first administration widespread human rights violations occurred and there is fear that someday he could be called to account for them.”

The Legacy of Alberto Fujimori: Is Now a Chance for the Vindication for Human Rights? (COHA)

And - Prosecution Continues Presenting Evidence that Shows Military Squadron Colina's Affiliation with Peru's Armed Forces (Fujimori on Trial)

Peru: 15, not 19, victims

The Peruvian armed forces are now claiming that 2 civilians, and not the seven previously reported, were killed in the Shining Path attack in which 13 soldiers died. A further two civilians, including a child, were injured.

Trece soldados y dos civiles muertos en atendado de SL (Peru21)

Peru: 19 Killed by Sendero

Twelve soldiers and seven civilians have been killed in a bomb attack by rebels in a remote coca-growing region of south-east Peru, the military said. [...] The armed forces blame the Shining Path group, which wrought havoc in Peru during the 1980s and early 1990s. It is the worst attack in a decade by the Maoist-inspired organisation.

Peru rebels launch deadly ambush (BBC)

Argentina: Videla in Jail

This just in: ex-de facto President Jorge Rafael Videla has been transferred from house arrest to an actual jail. Judge Norberto Oyarbide decided that the facility has adequate medical facilities to deal with any emergencies that might affect the 83 year old former dictator. Videla has already been tried for crimes during the dictatorship and is awaiting trial in a further 21 cases.

I think this is good news; I'm always pleased to see any step forward in the justice process. I notice that some of the commenters on the news piece below are dubious that this is a "real jail" - located, as it is, on a military base (where many people probably have residual sympathies towards the military regime). I take the point; but still, it's not home, is it?

Videla fue traslado a una carcel comun (Critica Digital)

Cheers Otto, for the tip!

Quick Link: Chile Ten Years after Pinochet Arrest

"as we all know, and the Pinochet case itself shows, avoiding the past is as absurd as avoiding our own shadow,"

Chile: Ten Years of the 'Pinochet Effect' (IPS)

Blog Round-Up

There's plenty of people blogging away more industriously than I am this week, so here's a selection:

In his own “Justice and Peace” confession (which began in July), he did not hesitate to admit to giving the order to kill people who ’smelled like guerrillas.’ Without blinking, he confessed to the San José de Apartadó massacre of 1998. He said he ordered the massacre because the town was so secluded, and the logistics of getting there were so difficult, that it wasn’t worth it to make an incursion just to kill one or two people. Therefore, in order to make the most out of the trip, they killed the largest amount of people that could possibly be associated with the FARC.

You really can't argue with some people's logic, can you? More on the testimony of Raúl Hasbún regarding human rights abuses in Colombia from Plan Colombia and Beyond. From the same blog, "No place in a civilized and democratic society".

Also, the effects of Plan Colombia on its neighbour, Ecuador: Refugees in Ecuador: Plan Colombia and the Asylum Lottery (Ecuador Rising)

And a key word is impunity, in Peru: The country of extrajudicial killings and media silencing they don't tell you about (Inca Kola News)
And in Mexico: Press freedom organization issues alert for Mexico (LA Times blog)

Finally, just to get your blood boiling - at least if you're anything like me - try this from Borev: WaPo Makes Latin America an Offer it Can't Refuse

Quick Link: Just the Facts

Just the Facts: A civilian's guide to U.S. defense and security assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean

This revamped website, a joint projection of the Center for International Policy, Latin American Working Group Education Fund and Washington Office on Latin America, looks like a good resource for data and analysis of the military relationship of the US and Latin America.